Fluid storing,mixing and dispensing apparatus



April 8, 1969 E. J. POITRAS 3,437,242

FLUID STORING, MIXING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 21. 1966 Sheet I of 2 F '5 'awrdJPoz'zms lAVEWTOR- ATZQR IK V April 8, 1969 E. J. POITRA 3,437,242

FLUID STORING, MIXING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS FilcdNov.2l. 1966 Sheet 2 on a v 7 VL 7/Za 4 x"- Q 45 24 wi l?- 1, V 1 /,r K 1 23 my /2 54204122 f oz'zms ATZDR/VEX United States Patent 3,437,242 FLUID STORING, MIXING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Edward J. Poitras, 198 Highland St., Holliston, Mass. 01746 Filed Nov. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 595,838 Int. Cl. B67d 5/52, 5/60 US. Cl. 222-135 22 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A fluid dispenser with separate, fluid filled containers and a piston actuated by relative movement between the containers to produce fluid flow through an opened seal joining the separate containers.

This invention relates generally to a mixing and dispensing container for individually storing, mixing and dispensing a plurality of fluid ingredients.

There exist many applications wherein two or more relatively inert individual fluid ingredients are combined to form an activated mixture. Typical examples are the combinations of liquid polymer base materials such as epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones, etc., with a suitable catalyst to form a hard setting fluid mixture useful in a wide variety of adhesive and sealant applications. One very desirable application of this type is disclosed in the applicants co-pending US. application Ser. No. 594,525 filed Nov. 15, 1966 and entitled, Dispensing Method and Apparatus.

The mixing and use of such plural ingredients is somewhat complicated by a number of inherent factors. For example, since the activated plural ingredients generally harden rapidly it is necessary that they be intermixed and utilized promptly after combination. Also, the ingredients generally must be isolated not only from each other but also from the atmosphere both before and during the mixing process. In addition, the required very thorough intermixing of the ingredients is made more diflicult by the fact that the catalyst normally comprises only a small fraction of the total fluid volume involved, For these reasons it is desirable to have a unitary container in which the plural ingredients first can be separately stored and then thoroughly mixed before discharge and use. Several container devices of this type have been developed with one typical example disclosed in US. Patent No. 3,144,966. All these prior devices, however, have been relatively complicated in their operation.

The object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an improved container assembly which separately stores plural fluid ingredients and can be operated in an extremely simple manner to produce thorough intermixing of the ingredients and discharge of the mixture.

One feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit having relatively movable containers, each containing a separate fluid ingredient, and including a pressure mechanism which causes fluid ingredient flow through an opened seal between the containers in response to relative movement therebetween. This device permits isolated storage of plural fluid ingredients and automatically induces combination and activation of the ingredients in response to relative movement between the plural containers.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured type wherein the pressure mechanism exerts a pressure on an inner containers fluid content causing expulsion thereof through an open seal surrounded by the fluid content of an outer container.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a 3,437,242 Patented Apr. 8, 1969 dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the containers are formed by coaxial, hollow cylinders adapted for axial relative movement thereby providing a. compact, easily handled device.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the pressure mechanism includes within the inner cylinder a mixing piston operatively connected to the outer cylinder by a retainer element which produces relative movement between the mixing piston and the inner cylinder during movement of the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The relative movement of the mixing piston produces the expelling pressure on the fluid content of the inner cylinder.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the inner cylinder has at one end an openable seal which passes through the entire fluid column length of the outer cylinder during a withdrawal therefrom of the fully enclosed inner cylinder. This arrangement insures a complete longitudinal distribution of the inner cylinders fluid content into the outer cylinders fluid content during the withdrawal operation.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the openable seal includes in the inner cylinder a plurality of radially directed openings which insure a uniform lateral distribution of the inner cylinders fluid content during the withdrawal operation.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the retainer element includes a free rod having an outer end rigidly connected to the outer cylinder and extending from the mixing piston out of the inner cylinder a distance at least as great as the column length of the fluid ingredient contained within the inner cylinder. This arrangement permits between the inner and outer cylinders suflicient relative movement to insure pressure discharge by the mixing piston of the entire inner cylinders fluid content.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the next above featured type wherein the retainer element includes a flexible wire passing through the inner cylinder and attached to the outer cylinder and the mixing piston. The flexible wire causes movement of the mixing piston through the inner cylinder in response to withdrawal thereof from the outer cylinder.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser device of the above featured types wherein the openable seal consists of a sealing plug positioned in the inner cylindrical container between its fluid content and the plurality of radially disposed openings therein. This sealing plug is automatically dislodged into an open position in response to the fluid pressure produced by relative movement between the mixing piston and inner cylinder.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the outer cylinder possesses an openable discharge orifice and encloses a discharge piston adapted for movement to discharge its fluid content through the opened discharge orifice.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured types wherein the discharge piston is attached to for movement with the inner cylinder and includes mixing apertures which allow passage of the fluid content of the outer cylinder during movement therethrough of the discharge piston and including a closure disc also supported by the inner cylinder and operable to close the mixing apertures so as to permit a fluid pressure discharge stroke by the discharge piston.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the above featured type wherein the discharge piston is rotatably mounted on the inner cylinder so as to be movable thereon into closure contact with the fixed closure disc.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a dispenser unit of the next above featured type wherein the closure disc is freely supported for axial movement on the inner cylinder so as to be automatically actuated into a closed position by the fluid pressure in the outer cylinder.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon a perusal of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic illustration of the FIG. 1 embodiment with the discharge piston in the actuated position;

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic view of another invention embodiment with a modified discharge piston; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 14, there is shown the dis penser 11 including the hollow cylindrical outer container 12 enclosing the hollow cylindrical and coaxially aligned, inner cylindrical container 13. The inner and outer container tubes 12 and 13, preferably formed of a suitable transparent plastic material, define compartments for storing fluid ingredients 14 and 15. Typically, the outer fluid ingredient 14 would be a polymer material such as a fluid epoxy and the inner fluid ingredient 15 would be a suitable catalyst therefor. Fashioned in one end of the outer tube 12 is the spout 16 adapted for severance to providea discharge orifice. The other end of the outer tube 12 is sealed by the cover plate 17 having a central aperture slidably sealed to the outer surface of the inner tube 13.

Located in a discharge end of the inner tube 13 are the plurality of radially directed fluid communication openings 21 which are isolated from the fluid ingredient 15 by the cylindrical sealing plug 22. Rotatably supported by exterior threads on the inner tube 13 is the circular discharge piston 23- having the plurality of uniformly spaced mixing apertures 24. The flexible closure disc 25' is fixed to the lower end of the inner tube 13 and is axially spaced from the discharge piston 23.

The pressure producing retainer mechanism 31 includes the bail 32 having ends 33 retained by recesses in the outer tube 12. The retainer 31 also includes the piston rod 34 which projects into the inner tube 13 for engagement with the slidably fitted, mixing piston plug 35. Retained within the restricted slot 36 at the other end of the piston rod 34 is the arch 37 of the bail 32. During shipment of the dispenser 11, the piston rod 34 is preferably removed and the bail 32 pivoted into a retracted position adjacent the outer tube 12.

To operate, the rod 34 is inserted in the tube 13 and utilized to push the piston downwardly until indicating notch 41 is flush with the top surface of handle 43 (as shown in FIG. 1). This forces plug 22 from its sealed shipping position (shown dotted) to its open position below openings 21. Next the bail is pivoted to its upper position with the arch 37 secured in the notch 36. During movement into its upper position the legs of the bail 32 are sprung outward slightly by the outer edges of the operating handle 43 before snapping into the slots 44. The user then pulls upon the handle 43 with one hand while holding the outer tube 12 with the other. As the handle moves upwardly on the piston rod 34 and the legs of the bail 32, the attached inner tube 13 is withdrawn from the outer tube 12 through the central aperture in the cover plate 17. However, the rigidly supported piston rod 34 prevents movement of the mixing piston 35 which exerts pressure against the fluid ingredient 15. The force generated by this pressure dislodges the sealing plug 22 downwardly to a position below the fluid communication openings 21 thereby allowing expulsion therethrough of the fluid ingredient 15. This relative movement of the various parts is illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 1.

Thus, during an entire upward stroke of the inner tube 13, the fluid ingredient 15 will be forcibly expelled through the communication openings 21 providing a complete axial distribution with the fluid ingredient 14. Further intermixing of the ingredients 14 and 15 is accomplished by the required passage of the combined ingredients through the mixing apertures 24 and around the periphery of the disc 25. Additional intermixing of the ingredients 14 and 15 can be obtained in the same manner by producing any desired number of reciprocal strokes with the handle 43. As shown in FIG. 1, there is provided in the outer tube 12 a fluid free space which accommodates the expelled fluid 15 during subsequent downward mixing strokes by the piston 22.

After thorough mixing of the ingredients and upon completion of an upward stroke by the handle 43, the bail 32 is again pivoted into its retracted position. This permits rotation of the handle 43 and the attached inner tube 13". However, rotation of the discharge piston 23 is prevented by the pin 45 which has been positioned within one of the mixing apertures 24. Accordingly, the inner tube 13 moves upwardly through the discharge piston 23 until engagement thereof with the flexible disc 25 which closes the mixing apertures 24 (as shown in FIG. 4). The user then punctures the weakened cover portion of cover plate 17 formed by the recess 46 and snips off the end of the spout 16 to provide a discharge orifice in the outer tube 12. The next downward stroke of the handle 43 will effect discharge of the combined fluid ingredients 14 and 15 which are prevented from flowing through the mixing apertures 24 by the closure disc 25. Drawing of a vacuum behind the discharge piston 23 is prevented by the vent opening pierced in the recess 46.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention with a modified discharge piston 47 fixed to the inner tube 13a. Projecting from the bottom surface of the discharge piston 47 are the shouldered pins 49 which extends through guide apertures in the flexible disc 48. This mounting permits axial movement of the flexible disc 48 relative to the discharge piston 47.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is basically the same as that described above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, in this case the flexible disc 48 will automatically close the mixing apertures 24a during a downward stroke of the discharge piston 47. The pressure exerted by the intermixed fluid ingredients 14 and 15 against the underside of the disc 48 forces it upwardly on the support pins 49 into contact with the discharge piston 47. Thus, the discharge piston 47 functions as a mixing mechanism during the initial fluid expulsion stroke of the inner tube 13 and, without any required manual adjustment, as a discharge piston during the initial down stroke thereof. It will be noted, however, that additional mixing of the fluid ingredients 14 and 15 by reciprocal movement of the piston 47 is not possible with this embodiment. Therefore, the embodiment is preferred for use with ingredients which can be thoroughly intermixed during the initial expulsion stroke of the inner tube 13.

FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention having generally the same elements shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the pressure mechanism 31 is replaced by the limp wire 53. As shown, the wire 53 is secured to the bottom wall of the outer tube 12b, passes through a restricted central opening in the sealing plug 52 and is secured to the mixing piston plug Operation of this embodiment is basically the same as that described above in connection with FIG. 1 except that the requirement for positioning the bail 32 and piston rod 34 is eliminated. Here, upon an upward stroke of the handle 43b and attached inner tube 13b, a pressure is exerted on the fluid ingredient 15b by the mixing piston 51 which is restrained from movement by the wire 53. Accordingly, the sealing plug 52 will be forced to slide downwardly on the Wire 53 opening the fluid communication openings 21b. Expulsion of the fluid ingredient 15b into the fluid ingredient 14b and intermixing thereof then precedes in the manner described above.

After thorough mixing of the ingredients and with the handle 43b in its uppermost position the flexible disc b is rotated upwardly into contact with the discharge piston 23b to seal the mixing apertures 24b. The subsequent down stroke of the handle 43b will cause discharge of the mixed ingredients through the off-center spout 54 which has been cut open. The limp wire 53, of course, offers no resistance to movement of the piston 23b during its mixing and final discharge strokes.

In a slight modification, the sealing plug 52 can be located in a normal sealed position directly over the openings 21b. In this way, exposure of openings 21b and expulsion of fluid ingredient 15b can begin earlier in the upward stroke of the handle 43b. For such an arrangement, it can be desirable to provide in the outer surface of the sealing plug 52 an annular recess (not shown) located adjacent the openings 21b with the plug in a sealed position. The recess would inhibit, during the devices inactive period, possible cold-flow of the plug material into the openings 21b which flow could render dislodgment of the plug more diflicult.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A mixing apparatus having separate compartments for storing at least two fluid ingredients and operable to nnifonmly produce intermixing of the ingredients comprising; an outer container containing one of said ingredients, an inner container containing another of said ingredients, said inner container adapted for at least partial enclosure by said outer container and for movement relative thereto, seal means adapted for opening to permit fluid ingredient communication between said inner and outer containers, and pressure means adapted to produce fluid ingredient flow between said inner and outer containers in response to relative movement therebetween.

2. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said seal means seals at least one fluid communication opening located at a discharge end of said inner container and said pressure means is adapted to exert a pressure on the fluid ingredient content of said inner container.

3. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said pressure means comprises a mixing piston means positioned within said inner container and adapted for movement relative thereto, and retainer means extending between said outer container and said piston means and adapted to produce relative movement between said mixing piston means and said inner container during movement of said inner container relative to said outer container.

4. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said inner and outer containers comprise a pair of substantially coaxially aligned hollow cylinders adapted for axial relative movement.

5. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said discharge end is located within said outer cylindrical container adjacent one end thereof, said mixing piston means is located in the end of said inner cylindrical container opposite said discharge end, and said inner cylindrical container is adapted for withdrawal from said outer cylindrical container so as to produce movement of said discharge end through substantially the entire inner length of said outer cylindrical container.

6. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said retainer means comprises a piston rod having an outer end connected to said outer cylindrical container and extending out of said inner cylindrical container 2. distance at least as great as the length of the fluid ingredient column contained within said inner cylindrical container.

7. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said discharge end of said inner cylindrical container possesses a plurality of radially directed fluid communication openings.

8. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, said seal means comprises a sealing plug positioned in said inner cylindrical container between said fluid communication openings and said fluid ingredient within said inner container.

2. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said retainer means comprises a flexible securing means attached to said piston means and said outer cylindrical container and passing through said inner cylindrical container.

10. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said discharge end of said inner cylindrical container possesses a plurality of radially directed fluid communication openings.

11. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said seal means comprises a sealing plug positioned in said inner container between said fluid communication openings and said fluid ingredient within the inner container.

12. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said outer container possesses an openable discharge orifice and including a discharge piston positioned and adapted for movement within said outer container so as to expel the fluid ingredient content out of said discharge orifice.

13. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 12 where in said discharge piston is attached to the discharge end of said inner container and has mixing apertures adapted to pass fluid ingredient during movement of said discharge piston within said outer container, and including closure means adapted upon actuation to close said mixing apertures.

14. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said discharge piston is rotatably attached to said inner container and said closure means comprises a disc means fixedly secured to said inner container and adapted to close said mixing apertures upon rotation of said inner container.

15. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said retainer means comprises a piston rod having an outer end connected to said outer cylindrical container and extending out of said inner cylindrical container a distance at least as great as the length of the fluid ingredient column contained within said inner cylindrical container.

16. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said discharge end of said inner cylindrical container possesses a plurality of radially directed fluid communicat1on openings.

17. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 16 wherein, said seal means comprises a sealing plug positioned in said inner cylindrical container between said fluid communication openings and said fluid ingredient within said inner container.

18. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said retainer means comprises a flexible securing means attached to said piston means and said outer cylindrical container and passing through said inner cylindrical container.

19. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said discharge end of said inner cylindrical container possesses a plurality of radially directed fluid communication openings.

20. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said seal means comprises a sealing plug positioned in said inner container between said fluid communication openings and said fluid ingredient within the inner container.

21. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 20 including an openable vent orifice defined by said outer container and positioned on the side of said discharge piston opposite said discharge orifice.

22. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said closure means comprises a disc supported by said inner container and adapted for free axial movement relative thereto so as to automatically close said mixing apertures upon discharge movement of said discharge piston.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner.

NORMAN L. STACK, JR., Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 

